Durban-born singer sets her sights high
HAVING performed at music festivals such as Splashy Fen, Awesome Africa, Smoking Dragon, Moshito Beat and Interpret Durban in the past, uMlazi-born musician Umaah ScreamingSun Khumalo believes with her first EP, Sheila, doing well in South Africa and abroad, better things are on her horizon.
She recently signed to Subterranean Wavelength, an independent Johannesburg-based record label that she says is creating a platform for alternative music.
Umlazi-born Umaah, who grew up in Pinetown and is a qualified fashion designer, told The Independent on Saturday that her music was influenced by emotive electronic music rooted in hip-hop and neo-soul brazed with Afro-Caribbean rhythms. During break time at Pinetown Girls’ High School, her friends would encourage her to enter singing competitions. “After high school and while in varsity… I was fortunate enough to meet these brothers who were a band called Existing Consciousness.
“I loved their music. I approached them,” she said.
She was with the band for five years, during which time they performed at various music festivals.
“I learnt about the music business… I became more comfortable on stage,” she said.
Umaah has also collaborated with other Durban musicians such as Moonchild Sanelly and Raheem Kemet.
“Since February last year… I was back and forth from Durban to Joburg and that was when I met up with a friend of mine who helped me create the EP, Micr.Pluto .
“This EP is about my journey… The reception has been positive,” she said.
She advised other musicians to not wait for a big break, but to create their own platform.